Phoenix scores last to sink Samford

ELON — Pinch hitter Chris King stroked a two-run single down the left-field line with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to send Elon University to an 8-7 victory against Samford in Saturday afternoon’s Southern Conference baseball game at Latham Park.

The inning began with walks to Ryan Kinsella and Joey Tomko before a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk to Alex Swim. King’s hit came on a 1-1 pitch.

Swim finished with three hits. He’ll be one of 11 seniors in the program honored in a pregame ceremony today.

Elon’s Tyler McVicar hit his first home run of the season.

Samford (25-26, 10-15) scored three runs in the top of the ninth. During that rally, Elon coach Mike Kennedy was ejected for the second time in the last four home games, while Elon player Sam Paone, who didn’t play in the game, was also ejected.

Ryan Pennell (1-2) was the winning pitcher after escaping in the top of the ninth by limited the damage.